The efficacy and function of star anise [picture]

Star anise [picture] is a common type of traditional Chinese medicine. It has many different functions and can treat some diseases of the human body. Let us now learn about its specific functions.

【English name】 FRUCTUS ANISI STELLATI

[Source] This product is the dried mature fruit of Illicium verum Hook. f., a plant of the Magnoliaceae family. In autumn and winter, the fruits are picked when they turn from green to yellow, and then slightly blanched in boiling water and dried or dried directly.

[Properties] This product is an aggregate fruit, mostly composed of 8 follicles, arranged radially on the central axis. The follicle is 1-2 cm long, 0.3-0.5 cm wide and 0.6-1 cm high; the outer surface is reddish brown with irregular wrinkles, the top is bird-beak-shaped, and the upper side is mostly cracked; the inner surface is light brown, smooth and shiny; it is hard and brittle. The fruit pedicel is 3 to 4 cm long, connected to the center of the base of the fruit, curved, and often falls off. Each follicle contains one seed, which is flat oval, about 6 mm long, reddish brown or yellowish brown, shiny, with a hilum at the tip; the endosperm is white and rich in oil. It has a fragrant aroma and tastes spicy and sweet.

【Identification】 (1) The powder of this product is reddish brown. The palisade cells of the endocarp are oblong, 200-546 μm long, with slightly thick walls and cross-shaped or herringbone-shaped pit openings. The stone cells of the seed coat are yellow, polygonal in surface view, with extremely thick and wavy walls, branched cell cavities containing brown-black substances; rectangular in cross section, with unevenly thickened walls. The stone cells of the pericarp are rectangular, oblong or branched, with thick walls. The fibers are long, scattered individually or in bundles, 29 to 60 μm in diameter, with lignified walls and pits. Mesocarp cells are reddish brown with scattered oil cells. Endosperm cells are polygonal and contain fat droplets and aleurone grains.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy, warm.

[entry into meridians] Enter the liver, kidney, spleen and stomach meridians.

【Functions and indications】Warming yang and dispelling cold, regulating qi and relieving pain. Used for abdominal pain caused by cold hernia, low back pain due to kidney deficiency, vomiting due to stomach cold, and cold pain in the epigastrium.

【Usage and Dosage】 3 to 6 g.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

Through the above introduction, let us understand the relevant knowledge of star anise [picture]. If we can give full play to the efficacy of star anise [picture], it can help us solve some physical diseases. Therefore, many people regard it as their own health care choice.